Departure holds grand re-opening at ALB

Departure, the gift shop that features arts, crafts, books, jewelry and other items from several dozen museums and other cultural institutions in the tri-state area, held its official grand re-opening this morning at the Albany International Airport.

The shop has moved from a second floor spot near the bridge to the parking garage and is now on the terminal’s main floor in a more visible, and larger, spot

Sharon Bates speaks at the podium this morning, with airport CEO John O'Donnell at left.

across from the recently relocated information desk. The shop also features items that tie in to exhibits in the airport’s own third-floor gallery.

In addition to increasing visitors’ awareness of what the Capital Region has to offer, it has shared proceeds of its sales with participating institutions. The Albany Institute of History and Art, for example, has received about $300,000 since 1999 in proceeds from the store’s sales.

One speaker, representing the Shaker Historical Society, pointed out that the shop

stands on a former vegetable patch once farmed by the local Shaker community.

“We just couldn’t be happier with the airport and the fact they have this tremendous arts and cultural program,” she added.

Sharon Bates, the arts and culture program’s director, introduced the speakers and officials, who included airport CEO John O’Donnell and the store’s manager, Bonnie Alexander.

Customers will receive 10 percent off purchases during March, as part of the grand re-opening celebration.

Eric Anderson

One Response

The speaker referenced in this article was Starlyn D’Angelo, Executive Director of the Shaker Heritage Society. The airport was constructed on former Shaker agricultural fields (with help from the Shakers themselves). The Society operates a small museum directly across the street from the museum. http://www.shakerheritage.org